A large collection of wartime correspondence to and from the York Public Library. Includes frequent mentions of war-work and wartime issues (esp. a publicity document with corrections dated 24/3/41, explaining the role of public libraries in the war effort). Also present are letters regarding loans of books to/use of library by local military units and internment camps alike, and requests for assistance in setting up Unit libraries. There are also several mentions of library-hosted entertainment for local Forces men and women, and requests for books relating specifically to war-work (munitions, nurseries). There are mentions of W.V.S. and A.R.P. work in/around the library; and of the various uses of the building as part of the war effort (for community work; welfare work; outreach; and emergency organisation, both as a Wardens' Post and, from letters dated January 1941, as an 'After Blitz' Organisation Centre'). A number of letters dealing with adaptations to the building, such as the installation of an emergency telephone and the addition of bomb-proofing materials (letter dated 23rd October 1942 from the City Librarian to the City Englineer); plus a number of mentions of rationing (fuel, staff uniform coupons). Later correspondence concerns the post-war cleanup, e.g. one letter dated 20th August 1945 discusses the removal of wire guards from the windows, while others deal with the removal of blackout fittings (11th June 1945), the closing of an Emergency Administrative Centre (28th June 1945), the disconnection of a wartime telephone (29th January 1946), the redistribution of surplus Civil Defence Equipment (4th February 1946), and the rehabilitation and resettlement of returning officers (26th October 1945)). One circular dated 15th October 1945 from the Ministry of Fuel discusses severe coal shortages for the first winter after the War. There are also more general letters from this period, concerning: exhibitions and events (many, but not all, of which are themselves part of the war effort); schools and educational outreach; user enquiries, suggestions and requests (e.g. for publishing advice, and the use of a lecture-hall); approaches regarding the purchasing and acquisition of new stock and furnishings; insurance; matters of health and infection control; inter-library communication, including with the Rowntree Library; personal correspondence between Frederick Cowles at Pendlebury and Raymond Doherty at York. Also present are a number of internal letters and other documents (notes concerning stock; a police report detailing a list of found books; financial and taxation matters; staffing matters; committee matters; Library inspection reports and conference reports; assorted library notices and publicity documents in proof; notes and notices concerning rationing esp. National Milk Cocoa; notes of library tickets and books issued to local Forces).
